Internet ‘doomsday’ looms as virus-infected PCs set to be disconnected

Computer users with viruses on their machines could find themselves cut off from the internet (Picture: Corbis)

They are among 277,000 people whose computers could be controlled by hackers using malware software installed in a viral attack more than a year ago, the FBI has warned.

As well as regular internet users, the FBI estimates that hundreds of companies could have been hit – giving hackers access to private data without them knowing about it.

When the attack, which targeted 570,000 computers, took place last year the FBI found it could not stop the malware without taking down victims’ internet connection.

As a result, they brought in a private company to install clean internet servers to take over from the ones affected by the malware. But Monday marks the end of that grace period, meaning computer owners that have not cleaned up their act will lose internet access.

The FBI estimates thousands of internet users – including about 50 Fortune 500 companies – could still be affected.

Most victims do not even know their computers have been infected, it warns – although the malicious software has probably slowed their web surfing and disabled antivirus software, making their machines more vulnerable to other problems.

Facebook and Google have both waded into the battle, creating their own warning messages that show up if an infected computer accesses either site.